Real-Time Parking Auction System for Spot Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely populated areas, finding a parking spot can be challenging, and existing methods often rely on luck or wasting time searching for available spots, with drivers preferring paid options over free or cheap parking due to inefficiencies in locating vacant spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mobile devices to detect parking exit events and initiate real-time auctions between drivers, allowing them to bid for available parking spots, with the winning bidder receiving compensation and navigation to the spot, ensuring efficient spot allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If drivers search for free or cheap parking spots manually, then they may find available spots, but they waste time and rely on luck
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting parking exit events before the spot becomes fully available and proactively notifying potential drivers. The mobile device detects when a vehicle is about to exit a parking spot and initiates an auction process in advance, allowing drivers to bid and be notified before other drivers arrive, thereby eliminating the need for manual searching and waiting.
2Loss of time
If drivers wait in certain locations hoping to see another driver walking to her car, then they may find a parking spot, but they waste time and rely on luck
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the locations of both the parking spot owner and bidding drivers, tracking their movements in real-time, and providing notifications when conditions are favorable for transaction. The mobile device tracks the driver's location and the parking spot owner's location, and provides feedback through notifications when the driver is close to the spot or when the owner is moving away, enabling informed decision-making without manual waiting.
3Productivity
If drivers continue driving until a parking spot is found, then they may find available spots, but they consume more fuel and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by identifying and notifying drivers about available parking spots before they need to travel to them. By detecting exit events in advance and initiating auctions, the system allows drivers to plan their routes efficiently and arrive at spots that are already reserved for them, avoiding unnecessary driving and fuel consumption.
4Productivity
If the system initiates real-time auctions for parking spots, then spot allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the mobile device to autonomously detect parking exit events, automatically initiate auctions, manage bids from multiple drivers, select winning bids based on predefined criteria, and coordinate the handover process without requiring manual intervention from parking spot owners or drivers. The entire parking allocation process is automated through the mobile device's sensors, processors, and communication modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and product for parking auctions. One method comprises: detecting a parking exit event is about to occur for a vehicle in a parking spot; initiating a real-time auction between relevant drivers that are in a proximity of the parking spot and are searching for parking; selecting a winning bid from one or more bids for the parking spot, wherein the winning driver provided the winning bid; displaying locations over time of the winning driver, whereby the user can track the location of the winning driver; and notifying the user upon the winner driving arriving at the parking spot, whereby the user can vacate the parking spot for the winner driver. Another method comprises while a vehicle is searching for parking, participating, using a mobile device, in an auction for a parking spot.